My Beautiful Voice (paperback)

By Author / Illustrator

Joseph Coelho, Ms. Allison Colpoys

Genre

Poetry

Age range(s)

Publisher

Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

ISBN

9780711248311

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-05-2022

Synopsis

A moving, lyrical picture book about a shy child unlocking the power of their own voice through poetry, with the helping hand of an extra special teacher, written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho.

From the creators of If All The World Were, winner of the 2019 Independent Book Shop Picture Book Award which has been translated into 13 languages, this beautifully illustrated, powerful and heartwarming text shows children that everyone's voice can be powerful and beautiful, however small.

Allison Colpoys' gorgeous artwork spills from every page as she shows this most heartwarming of tales. Follow a child who is so shy she doesn't speak. With the encouragement on an enchanting and magical teacher, she writes a poem. But a poem is meant to be read aloud! She musters all her courage, stands at the front of the class and shows her classmates that she does have a voice. And her voice is BEAUTIFUL!

The perfect way to encourage empathy in young children and show shy children how to feel brave.

Download Extract

Reviews

The class decides on a school poetry performance, but one little girl is so shy that she can't speak in class. However, her teacher, Miss Flotsam, gently encourages her to find her voice and write her poem. Her confidence builds until she feels brave enough to share the poem with the class.

A beautifully up-lifting book, My Beautiful Voice is so full of joy, showing the importance of patience and kindness in a teacher. Miss Flotsam 'explodes' into the classroom, full of energy and enthusiasm. She is full of stories and experiences that she shares with her class, inspiring them with ideas for their poems. Yet she also notices and has time for the quiet child, recognising what she needs, patiently guiding her and enabling her to achieve.

For those who are quieter, the story reflects the struggles involved in speaking in front of others, but also the joy of finally finding your voice and unlocking the beauty of your own voice. It's always a source of the greatest delight when a shy child in your class takes that first step and presents to an audience.

The book itself is also a celebration of poetry. Joseph Coelho's language is effortlessly beautiful as it describes the events and emotions flowing through the story. There are so many images which could be used to inspire a class to develop their own images and descriptions. His words are matched by Allison Colpoys' fabulous illustrations which capture the vitality and zest for life of Miss Flotsam, the whole spread of emotions and the final triumph of the little girl, perfectly.

My Beautiful Voice is a delightful read, sure to inspire empathy and understanding and develop the love of poetry.

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher